Caring for a Scar After Surgery: Care Instructions

A surgical scar is the result of a cut (incision) made during surgery. The scar may be of any size, depending on the operation that was done. Often the scar heals into an area of thick, colored skin called a keloid (say "KEE-loyd"). Surgeons try to make scars as small and unnoticeable as possible.

Keloids are firm, raised, and shiny. They can grow larger over time. On lighter skin, the colors vary from slightly pink to bright red. On darker skin, keloids may be the same color as the nearby skin or darker. They can be itchy and painful. When exposed to the sun, they can become darker.

Once healed, most surgical scars don’t need treatment. They don’t cause any lasting harm. But they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Your main task is to help them heal well. But you can also take steps to help them look better.

Here are things you can do to help your incision heal:

• You will be given specific instructions about how to care for the incision. The instructions will depend on the type of materials used to close the cut.
• You will have a dressing over the incision. The dressing helps the incision heal and protects it. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of it.
• Wash the area daily with warm water and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
• Change the bandage every day.
• You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Pat the incision dry. Don't swim or take a bath for the first two weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. They can slow healing and recovery. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. They can increase your chances of quitting for good.

Here are things you can do to reduce the appearance of the surgical scar:

• If you have stitches (sutures), follow your doctor’s instructions. Care for the wound as instructed. Also, return to have the stitches removed on time. If you wait, scarring might be worse.
• Use sunscreen. Once the incision heals, apply sunscreen to the area daily. Exposure to the sun may cause the scar to be more visible and discolored.
• Once the incision heals, you can try using over-the-counter scar creams and patches that may help reduce the scarring.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to the scar twice daily for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. If your skin reacts to it, you can use petroleum jelly instead. This helps keep the wound moist and lets the skin grow back faster.
• Massage the scar gently starting about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Use petroleum jelly or a lubricating moisturizer. Rub it in a circular motion 2 times a day for 10 minutes. Do this for at least six weeks.
• Use silicone gel sheeting to keep the skin moist and protected. It softens and reduces the scar. Apply it to the scar for at least 12 hours a day for 3 to 4 months. Some people put it on when they get home at the end of the day and take it off before they go about their activities the next morning. You can get it at most drugstores.
• You can also apply latex-free hypoallergenic paper tape to the scar. It keeps the skin from stretching and prevents more soft tissue from forming. Use it for at least six weeks after surgery.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You bleed through your bandage.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.